$904,161Average Value$624Average Price per Sq Ft11Homes For Sale
‘Our version of Bourbon Street’
Shaw is a historically African American enclave with a devastating chapter of its story written during the 1968 civil rights riots. The neighborhood draws its name from Robert Gould Shaw, the Union officer who famously led the first black regiment of the Civil War. Home to the Howard Theatre, a cultural institution that opened in 1910, the greater U Street area was once known as Black Broadway. Long touted as one of D.C.’s most promising up-and-coming neighborhoods, Shaw is almost there in terms of its complete renaissance from the urban blight of the 1980s and 90s. Now a thriving and vibrant site of urban renewal, today, the community is a music mecca painted with some of the most celebrated public art in the city. “This has become the most prominent entertainment corridor in the district,” says Kimberly Diggs, an associate broker with Douglas Elliman Real Estate who has closed over 300 transactions since 2007. “Music lovers love it; it’s our version of Bourbon Street.”
Celebrating Black history, culture and the arts
Though Shaw represents less than three-quarters of square mile in DC, the neighborhood and its most notable residents were incredibly consequential regarding American black history, culture, and arts. Symbols memorializing their legacy and contributions are found throughout the community and help preserve and elevate its historic character. Outside the Howard Theatre, stands a stunning memorial to Shaw’s most famous native son, Duke Ellington. The adjacent Walk of Fame features bronze relief portraits of the most important Black musicians of the 20th Century who performed at the venue, embedded in the sidewalk, including Marvin Gaye, Ella Fitzgerald, and Mamie Smith. The African American Civil War Memorial and Museum at the corner of Vermont Avenue, 10th and U Streets, commemorates the contributions and sacrifices made by almost 210,000 Black soldiers who fought for the Union in the Civil War. The Mary Ann Shadd Cary House is the historic residence of its namesake, who was an abolitionist and one of the first black female journalists and lawyers in the United States. One of Shaw’s coolest and somewhat hidden secrets is the DC Alley Museum, which features a collection of murals painted by DC area artists on garage doors along Blagden Alley.
‘Little Ethiopia’ headlines uniquely diverse dining
Shaw offers diverse dining options and is home to “Little Ethiopia” near the intersection of Ninth and U streets. The highly regarded and popular Dukem Ethiopian Restaurant is, however, a short walk from the heart of Little Ethiopia at the corner of U and 12th streets. Nathan Guggenheim, an agent with Washington Fine Properties, cites his favorite Shaw eatery, Nina May, as representative of an active dining scene offering “very high-end but accessible food.” Budget-conscious students and others looking for a quick and easy meal have options like McDonalds and Chipotle in the northeast of the neighborhood near Howard University’s campus. Diggs points to the opening of the Florida Avenue Whole Foods in 2020 at Florida as a key moment in Shaw’s evolution as a home and not just a destination, “It made it much more convenient for commuters.” She added, “If you don’t have a car, this is the area to live in. It’s very, very convenient to get downtown in and around town.”
Parks and gathering spaces
Shaw shows off its neighborly side with a jam-packed events calendar. There’s Art All Night Shaw, featuring music, art installations, and dance troupes, as well as Eat.Drink.Shaw., a celebration of hundreds of fantastic restaurants in the neighborhood. Events at the behemoth Walter E. Washington Convention Center, like the D.C. Auto Show and National Book Festival, draw crowds by the thousands. But if there’s one thing that’s long defined Shaw, it’s the music scene. Named the "Venue of the Decade," the 9:30 Club is an institution — and well worth the inevitable wait in line. The Atlantis, although newer to the party, is quickly becoming one of the neighborhood’s favorite venues.Not known for its abundance of green space, Shaw’s French Street Park is a bright pop of color in a concrete landscape. The dog park and adjoining skate park are popular gathering places in the neighborhood. People are also known to congregate near the Spirit of Freedom Statue at the African American Civil War Museum.
Colorful rowhomes and newer condos and co-ops
For homebuyers considering Shaw, the real estate market is competitive with a good diversity of housing and growing home values. “The variety of styles makes this a great neighborhood for people of many different socio-economic levels to come together,” Diggs says. There aren’t grand mansions in Shaw, but there are rows of federal-style brick townhomes with colorful facades and linear accents. “Because there aren’t a lot of them, the market for these is incredibly competitive, with most buyers paying over asking price, particularly if the home includes parking,” Diggs says. The price range for townhomes is broad, from around $800,000 on the low end to upwards of $2 million. Over the last two decades, there has been a lot of redevelopment, with many mid-rises and rowhomes converted into high-end condos. “There are co-op communities throughout Shaw that provide the ability to live in the community for slightly under market value,” Diggs says. A one-bedroom, one-bath condo in need of updates can sell for as little as $250,000, while two-bedroom, three-bath modern unit in a newer building can list as high as $1.2 million.
Schools performing above average
Families with children in Shaw are served by District of Columbia Public Schools, a solid urban district with a B grade from Niche but an A in diversity. Also graded B, Seaton Elementary is known for a particularly active parent-teacher organization that frequently hosts events. Kids may then advance to Cardozo Education Campus, which serves grades six through 12 and is graded B-minus by Niche. Parents who prefer out-of-boundary options or pre-kindergarten school can participate in the notoriously competitive D.C. school lottery. Although the neighborhood is near Howard University, a historically Black research university founded in 1867, it doesn't feel like a college town because students tend to stick closely to campus.
Walkable with robust public transportation
Situated about a mile north of the White House in downtown D.C., Shaw has a dedicated Metro stop on the Green and Yellow lines and it is a quick walk to the U Street and Mount Vernon Square stations. There are Metrobus routes along most of the major thoroughfares, including Rhode Island Avenue and 11th Street. “People who buy here want to enjoy more of their lives and spend less time traveling, so they appreciate the walkability and accessibility to public transportation,” Diggs says. For those who rely on their own vehicles, parking is an issue in the neighborhood, with buyers paying a premium for homes that include parking.
Higher crime than the national average
Compared to the national CAP Index score of 4 (out of 10), Shaw’s score of 6 indicates higher than-average incidences of crime. Robbery and larceny, in particular, happen at almost double the national rate.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Shaw
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
9
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
5
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Shaw Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Shaw, Washington sell after 48 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Shaw, Washington over the last 12 months is $1,010,000, up 20% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to The Perla, a beautifully designed 2 bedroom, 2 bath residence completed in 2020 in the heart of Shaw. This home offers high ceilings, oversized windows, white oak floors, spa-inspired Porcelanosa baths, and a modern kitchen with Thermador appliances, quartz countertops, and Italian cabinetry. The primary suite has been thoughtfully converted into a bright art studio, providing
Welcome to a stunning, recently renovated home in the absolute heart of Logan Circle, D.C.! This is urban luxury living at its best, placing you steps from the neighborhood's celebrated shops, acclaimed restaurants, public transportation, and easy access to downtown. The main floor greets you with a gorgeous, light-filled, open-concept floor plan. It flows seamlessly from the living area to the
Welcome to 403 O Street NW . This thoughtfully updated home blends classic D.C. character with modern finishes designed for everyday living. The main level offers generous living space, a true foodie’s kitchen with sleek cabinetry, gas cooking, and an oversized island, with a dedicated laundry room on the main level. Two rare staircases — a straight-run front staircase and a dramatic spiral rear
Welcome to 1411 5th Street NW, a modern oasis nestled in the heart of Shaw. This exquisite 4-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom townhouse spans 2,220 square feet and offers a seamless blend of luxury and functionality.Step inside to discover a living room equipped with a state-of-the-art Sony TV projector and retractable screen, perfect for movie nights. The kitchen features custom-made cabinetry,
Fabulous potential. Needs complete renovation. The 1874 Federal structure is solid. Extensive water damage inside. Recommend wearing a face mask if going downstairs to the basement. Zoned RF-1. However, the property has been used commercially as a "Store-Miscellaneous Property" for decades; probably going back to the 1950s. Huge lot and wide alley behind the property for easy parking.
For the buyer who wants a home that reflects who they are..not someone else’s idea of who they should be, 1315 Naylor Court NW offers a rare lifestyle defined by authenticity, adaptability, and true creative freedom. Configured as two separately metered units with an attached multi-car garage, this converted 1899 horse stable delivers versatility and long-term value in the heart of Washington,
**NEW HOME FOR A NEW YEAR** Lovely, essentially brand new THREE level Federal on a tree-lined block steps to some of the highest rated restaurants & nightspots! Expertly crafted with all custom designs throughout its deep levels: architectural square recessed lighting; sand-in-place oak hardwood floors; kitchen with quartz counters, moveable island with storage, cabinet-front appliances including
Fantastic opportunity to own a piece of history in Shaw! Three finished levels with over 2100 square feet, deep rear yard with alley access, room for parking, gardening and entertaining! High ceilings on main level and lots of windows for natural light. Lower level with two entrances, one in front and one in rear offers great opportunity to convert to a lower level apartment. Access to crawl
Discover a prime investment opportunity in the heart of the Shaw neighborhood! This charming multi-unit property, built in 2004, offers a solid foundation for your real estate portfolio. Located blocks from the DC Convention Center and Chinatown, the property has air-rights to add an additional level or can be re-zoned to add 5 additional levels. Seize this opportunity to capitalize on the
THE LAST PENTHOUSE UNITS REMAINING! One-of-a-kind loft-style home featuring nearly 1,900 SF of living space.TWO levels with a spacious rooftop deck, one of a kind, designed with historic details and surrounded by stunning city views! Drama and elegance abound in this home featuring 30-foot and 14-foot ceilings. 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a den with state-of-the-art features and a seamless
City Market at O is a multifaceted community in one of DC?s most exciting neighborhoods. It?s full of character and infused with the only-here buzz of Shaw. With three distinctive residential offerings? The Medley, 880P, and Intersect?this place takes a comprehensive approach to city living: 650 apartment homes, diverse and in-demand amenities, a 182-room hotel, a 78,000-square foot Giant
**AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY** Wow...gorgeous 2-level condo with PRIVATE, DEEP BACKYARD that lives like a home! Outfitted with finishes & aesthetic touches unlike most homes, 509 P Street was fully gutted and made into two separate units. #1 retains high ceilings that bring in wonderful light from souther, western and northern exposures, wood floors, gas FP, marble kitchen with good cabinets, separate
The Shay apartments in Washington, DC, are all about easy, modern living in one of DCs most walkable, vibrant, and creative neighborhoods. Our community offers studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom floor plans with high ceilings, large windows, sleek finishes, and convenient features such as oversized closets and in-home laundry. You can enjoy thoughtful extras right outside your door, including
Great rental in a perfect location 2blks from green line metro and the U Street Corridor. Steps to Howard Hosp.and university. 2br 1,5 bths with parking in the back and a patio in the rear. CAC, SS appliances, perfect in every way.
The Shaw's integrates into the historic fabric of the neighborhood where jazz and blues legends, such as Duke Ellington and Louie Armstrong, worked and dined. Every home features distinctively designed interiors, innovative amenities and technologies, and thoughtful layouts perfectly tailored to the way you deserve to live. Enjoy sweeping vistas from the rooftop terrace with the city at your
Experience modern comfort in this beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bath apartment in the heart of Shaw. Flooded with natural light, this stylish home features large windows, warm hardwood floors, and a brand-new air conditioning system for year-round comfort. The kitchen is equipped with stainless-steel appliances, granite countertops, and sleek cabinetry — perfect for cooking and entertaining.
Kenneth BrownQuasar Property Management And Real Estate LLC
Take a walk on the lively side of the city at Jefferson MarketPlace. Live the exciting mix of culture, comfort and contagious energy that fuels our vibrant Shaw neighborhood. Shows, restaurants, nightlife, take your pick. It’s all here. It’s not hard to let the stresses of the day melt away – or get amped up to keep the day going – when you come home to Jefferson MarketPlace. From the extra
Welcome to the Intersect at O Townhomes, a truly one-of-a-kind rental opportunity in the heart of Shaw, just blocks from Logan Circle. Perfect for those seeking the privacy and scale of a townhome with the amenities of a luxury apartment community, 1332 8th Street offers the best of both worlds. Built in 2023, this spectacular residence spans more than 3,200 square feet across four finished
Located in one of DCs most vibrant neighborhoods, The Langston offers a variety of floor plans, including studios, one-bedroom apartments, one-bedrooms with dens, and two-bedroom layouts. With stunning interiors and modern amenities, The Langston is the perfect blend of luxury and accessibility an ideal place to call home.
***New Reduced Price*** Spacious end-unit rowhome on one of the most sought-after streets in Shaw. Located on a quiet one-way street, this home offers great access to all the restaurants, coffee shops, vibrant local businesses that Logan and Shaw have to offer. Just 3 minute walk to Shaw metro! Home has recently been painted inside and fresh new landscaping out. First floor features an open
Nestled in one of the citys most vibrant and walkable neighborhoods, 7th Flats offers thoughtfully designed studios, 1- and 2-bedroom homes with open layouts, European-inspired finishes, ENERGY STAR appliances, and in-unit washer/dryer for contemporary comfort. Enjoy modern community amenities including a 24/7 fitness center, 24/7 concierge, club-style lounge with kitchen and billiards, rooftop
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